Fulham prepare improved bid for Morocco defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal

Fulham are preparing an improved offer for Moroccan defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal as they look to convince Rennes to sell the highly-rated youngster this summer.

The Premier League club have already made an initial proposal for the 20-year-old, but Rennes rejected the approach and remain reluctant to part with a player they regard as an important part of their plans for the new season.

Fulham step up pursuit

According to French outlet FootMercato, Fulham are ready to return with a higher bid after their first attempt failed to persuade Rennes to negotiate.

The London club are keen to strengthen their central defence following the departure of Issa Diop and see Aït Boudlal as a potential long-term addition to their backline.

Fulham are particularly impressed by the Moroccan’s composure in possession and tactical maturity, qualities they believe could allow him to develop into an important player in the Premier League.

Moroccan defender open to England move

Aït Boudlal is reportedly keen on the possibility of moving to England and is open to testing himself in the Premier League during the current transfer window.

The defender made 21 appearances for Rennes across all competitions last season, performances which have attracted interest from clubs elsewhere in Europe.

His emergence also adds to the growing profile of Morocco’s young generation of footballers, with Aït Boudlal having developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, one of the country’s leading football development institutions.

Golden Boy recognition

The 20-year-old’s progress has been further recognised through his nomination for the Golden Boy award, which highlights the most promising young players in European football.

Rennes, however, are not under pressure to sell and continue to view Aït Boudlal as part of their project for the coming campaign.

Fulham’s improved proposal could therefore be crucial, with the Premier League side hoping a significantly higher offer will change Rennes’ position and open the door for the Moroccan youngster to begin a new chapter in England.

For Aït Boudlal, a move to Fulham would represent an opportunity to take the next step in his career and further raise the profile of Morocco’s emerging defensive talent on the European stage.